PETALING JAYA: It has been a positive start since the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) came into force on Oct 1.
Products related to smoking, previously found on ecommerce sites, have been removed from the catalogue of items while vape stores are adhering to the new law.
Search results for several vape brands also show that the products are no longer available for purchase.
Only one brand is still operating but it sells merchandise like lanyards, tote bags, pens and stickers.
On another ecommerce site, products for smokers are still available but users are required to state whether they are under or above 18 to view the items.
Those under 18 are restricted from viewing images and will be redirected to the homepage if they proceed with the purchase.
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Nevertheless, there are unscrupulous folk finding ways to camouflage vaping products on several ecommerce sites.
Instead of using the term vape, “perfume”, “makeup sprays” and “deodorant” are phrases used online. The nozzles of the products are also censored in images.
Meanwhile, several physical vape shops in the Klang Valley have also begun to adhere to the new regulations pertaining to the promotion of the product despite being given a six-months respite.
Checks showed that some shops have removed their advertising materials and have pasted posters restricting those aged 18 and below from entering the premises.
“We removed the product banners outside the shop before the Oct 1 deadline.
“All our online transactions, both on ecommerce sites and through our hotline, have been scrapped as it is impossible to verify the buyer’s age,” said the operator who wanted to be known as Aidil.
He said those operating the cash register would verify the age of young buyers.
“We will ask for their identification cards if we are unsure.
“There had been instances of schoolchildren, dressed in plainclothes, looking to buy vaping products but we turned them away,” he added.
Another seller, Shafiq, also removed banners from his shop before the dawn of October, adding that schoolchildren are not allowed in.
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“We tell them to leave the premises immediately as we don’t want trouble,” he said.
Another seller, who declined to be named, said education and awareness programmes would be effective in curbing youngsters from picking up the smoking or vaping habit.
Malaysian Vape Chamber of Commerce secretary-general Ridhwan Rosli urged for clearer guidelines, claiming that the regulations were affecting retailers.
“This will disrupt business operations and severely impact sales. On top of that, the new guideline on nicotine concentration is not in line with consumer demand and products on shelves.
“Retailers have no idea how to manage their existing stock, and have not been given time to adjust to these drastic changes,” he told The Star.
Disagreeing with the “current form” of the Act, Rosli said the Health Ministry had not entertained their feedback on the legislation.
“We strongly urge the ministry to review Act 852 and reconsider the display ban. This new law is simply not practical for the long-term viability of the industry.
“Retailers, particularly small businesses, will have to bear huge costs, whether it is in modifying fixtures or hiring additional staff to manage compliance,” he said.
